A 70-year-old farmer, a well known figure for selling vegetables around Gaborone, has been charged with human trafficking.
Reuben Tema, of Mogapatona ward in Totome village, appeared before Molepolole Magistrates Court on Monday and was granted conditional bail.
The old man, along with his employee, Nkosilati Moyo, 33, is accused of trafficking a 12-year-old Zimbabwean boy into the country back in February.
It is alleged that Tema had wanted to employ the Jocholo village youth as a herdboy at his farm in Lentsweletau.
According to those close to the case, Tema had ordered Moyo to assist him in finding someone to work on the farm.
Following out his boss’ orders, Moyo duly travelled to Zimbabwe and returned with the boy, having reportedly received permission from the lad’s mother.
A police source further told The Voice that upon realising the boy was a minor, Tema intended to return him to Zimbabwe once lockdown is over.
The two suspects were arrested last Monday and appeared for arraignment two days later where they were remanded in custody.
The Defence Attorney, Gabaikanngwe Kebalepile subsequently filed an urgent application for Tema to be released from custody.
Addressing court on Monday, Principal Prosecutor, Enock Mahwite from Directorate of Public Prosecution said he did not oppose the accused bail considering the presumption of innocence and also the fact that the victim has already been taken to a place of safety.
“Our concession should not be misread to mean that we are trivialising this matter. This is a very serious matter and there are various considerations that are still going to be made because there are several offences that have been committed according to our records,” stressed Mahwite, who described the case as ‘one of the most serious’ currently being dealt with in Botswana.
Tema was granted bail on condition he pays P5, 000 and provides two sureties binding themselves with the same amount – conditions he was able to meet.
Tema’s co-accused, who allegedly does not have a work permit, was not granted the same leniency and will remain locked up until at least 11 June when both men are due back in court.
